RACS is excited to announce that two of our Supervising Senior Solicitors, Ben Lumsdaine and Alison Ryan, have been appointed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), soon to become the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Ben joined the Tribunal in December while Alison begins her new role in February 2024. As tribunal members, they will be reviewing decisions where visa applications have been denied. Their appointments come as the Federal Government seeks to reduce lengthy delays in visa processing times.

While we are sad to farewell these two long-standing RACS solicitors and leaders, our clients and our organisation have benefited immensely from their expertise. Ben and Alison both spent significant time abroad working in refugee law before rejoining RACS in 2015. Their efforts have achieved life-changing outcomes for thousands of refugees and people seeking asylum.

The protection process in Australia is complicated and lengthy. We're proud that two such highly accomplished, compassionate and fair RACS alumni will enhance the work of the AAT.

Alison affirms that “RACS is an exciting place to work”. We asked Ben to reflect on his time at RACS, which you can read below.

Ben Lumsdaine

What have your highlights at RACS been?

It’s hard to go past the incredible people in the RACS team. The dedication and resourcefulness in the face of adversity is inspiring and the culture is so supportive. I don’t think I’ll ever come across anywhere like it.

Any particular case or client that will stay with you forever?

A year ago, I was lucky enough to help my first ever RACS client (from 2008) become an Australian citizen. I have worked with her through so many twists and turns over many years. Her resilience and positivity through the turmoil was inspirational and unforgettable.

The hardest thing about working at RACS?

The hardest part is watching the torment of clients living with an uncertain future and not knowing if they’ll be safe or when they will see their family again.

What will you be doing at the AAT?

As an AAT member, I will be reviewing decisions to refuse protection visa applications and trying to help the AAT reduce waiting times for applicants.

What you’re excited about in your new role at the AAT?

I am excited to learn a new role and see the process from another perspective. Also, with a young child at home and another baby on the way, I am also looking forward to the relative steadiness and predictability of the work compared to RACS.

Any advice for people wanting to be a refugee lawyer?

Get out there and do it! Working with RACS or another CLC as a volunteer, PLT, or pro bono lawyer is a great way to start.